The Legal 500 Hall of Fame highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence. The Hall of Fame highlights, to clients, the law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession. In the United Kingdon, the criteria for entry is to have been recognised by The Legal 500 as one of the elite leading lawyers for eight years. These partners are highlighted below and throughout the editorial.
Click here for more details

Find out which law firms are representing which Transport clients in Yorkshire and the Humber using The Legal 500's new comprehensive database of law firm/client relationships. Instantly search over 925,000 relationships, including over 83,000 Fortune 500, 46,000 FTSE350 and 13,000 DAX 30 relationships globally. Access is free for in-house lawyers, and by subscription for law firms. For more information, contact david.burgess@legal500.com.

Plexus Law; Leeds aviation group, led by Jarrod Parker, handles the full spectrum of advice, with particular expertise in contentious matters.¬†The practice continues to act for a spread of aviation and insurer clients, which was broadened with its appointment to Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance's aviation panel. The team is additionally instructed by airports across the UK and Europe, the Mediterranean¬†and South Pacific. Parker is experienced in representing clients in complex litigation and is defending claims arising from an aviation accident causing a passenger significant spinal injuries, in addition to aviation property damage. In another complex matter, the team is instructed by¬†Castel Underwriting Agencies following a plane crash during a test flight which left the pilot with life-changing injuries.¬†Other key names to note are associates Jennifer Chan¬†and Jennifer Howden.

Plexus Law; Leeds aviation group, led by Jarrod Parker, handles the full spectrum of advice, with particular expertise in contentious matters.¬†The practice continues to act for a spread of aviation and insurer clients, which was broadened with its appointment to Tokio Marine Kiln Insurance's aviation panel. The team is additionally instructed by airports across the UK and Europe, the Mediterranean¬†and South Pacific. Parker is experienced in representing clients in complex litigation and is defending claims arising from an aviation accident causing a passenger significant spinal injuries, in addition to aviation property damage. In another complex matter, the team is instructed by¬†Castel Underwriting Agencies following a plane crash during a test flight which left the pilot with life-changing injuries.¬†Other key names to note are associates Jennifer Chan¬†and Jennifer Howden.

The¬†'robust team'¬†at Addleshaw Goddard¬†handles a wide range of matters within the rail industry and¬†offers its split of public and private sector clients¬†'good value for money'.¬†The team is currently acting for London Luton Airport on the ¬£200m development of a mass passenger transit system between Luton Airport Parkway railway station and the airport terminal. The practice ¬†continues to be instructed by the Department for Transport on several projects, including advising on the new rail franchise to combine the current InterCity West Coast services with the development and introduction of High Speed 2 services. In another work highlight, Paul Hirst¬†is advising VTG Rail (UK)¬†on matters relating to its freight wagon leasing business, including a contract for the manufacture, supply, leasing and maintenance of specialist jet fuel wagons for a leading UK-based airline. Hirst jointly¬†heads the team and has particular expertise in infrastructure projects, operating concessions and franchises and rolling stock procurements. Co-head Anna Heaton¬† leads on transport-related real estate matters and is regularly instructed by Network Rail on large projects. Other significant clients of the group include¬†West Midlands Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester and Freightliner.

The¬†'robust team'¬†at Addleshaw Goddard¬†handles a wide range of matters within the rail industry and¬†offers its split of public and private sector clients¬†'good value for money'.¬†The team is currently acting for London Luton Airport on the ¬£200m development of a mass passenger transit system between Luton Airport Parkway railway station and the airport terminal. The practice ¬†continues to be instructed by the Department for Transport on several projects, including advising on the new rail franchise to combine the current InterCity West Coast services with the development and introduction of High Speed 2 services. In another work highlight, Paul Hirst¬†is advising VTG Rail (UK)¬†on matters relating to its freight wagon leasing business, including a contract for the manufacture, supply, leasing and maintenance of specialist jet fuel wagons for a leading UK-based airline. Hirst jointly¬†heads the team and has particular expertise in infrastructure projects, operating concessions and franchises and rolling stock procurements. Co-head Anna Heaton¬† leads on transport-related real estate matters and is regularly instructed by Network Rail on large projects. Other significant clients of the group include¬†West Midlands Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester and Freightliner.

The 'incredibly pragmatic' transport team at¬†Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP¬†'punches well above its weight' and competes with 'much larger shipping practices in London'. The group, known for its marine and shipping expertise, was instructed by India Streamship on the¬†$90m sale of the four-strong Indian Flag tanker fleet. It also acts for SMS Towage on several significant transactions, including on the¬†purchase of two vessels with a combined value ‚ā¨5.8m.¬†The 'extremely knowledgeable, efficient and commercial' practice head¬†Dominic Ward¬†specialises in dry shipping law, cargo work and international trade agreements. Ward led advice to Blue Water Shipping A/S Denmark in a multi-jurisdictional matter involving¬†various contracts relating to the transport, handling and storage of pipes required for the ¬£40m Nord Stream 2 project. Leading the sea fisheries, regulatory and marine environment group, the¬†'very smart and exceptionally practical'¬†Andrew Oliver¬†continues to represent Lynn Shellfish in settlement discussions relating to a dispute regarding ownership of fishing grounds in The Wash, following a successful appeal to the¬†Supreme Court.¬†Jeff Swales¬†is also recommended, particularly in¬†investigations and prosecutions by the Police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency. Associated British Ports, Braemar Group and Maritime Coastguard Agency are all clients of the practice.

The 'incredibly pragmatic' transport team at¬†Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP¬†'punches well above its weight' and competes with 'much larger shipping practices in London'. The group, known for its marine and shipping expertise, was instructed by India Streamship on the¬†$90m sale of the four-strong Indian Flag tanker fleet. It also acts for SMS Towage on several significant transactions, including on the¬†purchase of two vessels with a combined value ‚ā¨5.8m.¬†The 'extremely knowledgeable, efficient and commercial' practice head¬†Dominic Ward¬†specialises in dry shipping law, cargo work and international trade agreements. Ward led advice to Blue Water Shipping A/S Denmark in a multi-jurisdictional matter involving¬†various contracts relating to the transport, handling and storage of pipes required for the ¬£40m Nord Stream 2 project. Leading the sea fisheries, regulatory and marine environment group, the¬†'very smart and exceptionally practical'¬†Andrew Oliver¬†continues to represent Lynn Shellfish in settlement discussions relating to a dispute regarding ownership of fishing grounds in The Wash, following a successful appeal to the¬†Supreme Court.¬†Jeff Swales¬†is also recommended, particularly in¬†investigations and prosecutions by the Police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency. Associated British Ports, Braemar Group and Maritime Coastguard Agency are all clients of the practice.

The transport practice at¬†DLA Piper UK LLP¬†is known predominantly for handling matters within the¬†public transport sector, including¬†rail and bus.¬†The team acts for the Department of Transport on multiple projects, recently it has been instructed to advise upon procurement of the South Eastern Rail and East Anglia Rail franchises. It has also represented this client in relation contractual disputes arising from the Thameslink Rolling Stock Project. Robert Smith¬†heads up the team and has particular experience representing¬†local and central government, including Transport for Greater Manchester among other combined authorities.¬†Sheffield-based¬†Petra Billing¬†continues to lead advice to¬†Abellio East Anglia on all transactional matters and property litigation.¬†¬†Other clients in the rail sector include HS2,¬†Hitachi Rail Europe, and in the aviation sector the team is¬†currently acting for¬†National Air Traffic Services and¬†British Airways plc.¬†

The transport practice at¬†DLA Piper UK LLP¬†is known predominantly for handling matters within the¬†public transport sector, including¬†rail and bus.¬†The team acts for the Department of Transport on multiple projects, recently it has been instructed to advise upon procurement of the South Eastern Rail and East Anglia Rail franchises. It has also represented this client in relation contractual disputes arising from the Thameslink Rolling Stock Project. Robert Smith¬†heads up the team and has particular experience representing¬†local and central government, including Transport for Greater Manchester among other combined authorities.¬†Sheffield-based¬†Petra Billing¬†continues to lead advice to¬†Abellio East Anglia on all transactional matters and property litigation.¬†¬†Other clients in the rail sector include HS2,¬†Hitachi Rail Europe, and in the aviation sector the team is¬†currently acting for¬†National Air Traffic Services and¬†British Airways plc.¬†

The niche road transport services team at Shulmans LLP¬†handles¬†regulatory and compliance related work, employment, commercial contracts, and environmental and health and safety advice to its national¬†client list.¬†Richard Wadkin¬†heads up the practice and has particular expertise dealing with¬†public inquiry and defence work for transport and logistics operators. Wadkin, alongside Clare Benger, acted for¬†Eco Drill (England) in providing complex advice requiring interpretation tachographs and excise¬†exemptions¬†, drivers‚Äô and operators‚Äô licences, as well as representing the company at a public inquiry. The team also defended Eco Drill's driver Andrew Burton, successfully achieving a discontinuance of magistrates‚Äô court proceedings.¬†Jim Wright¬†is also a key name to note, particularly for employment-related advice, and is instructed by Driver Hire Group Services to advise on¬†road transport regulatory issues, employment law, tax and commercial law.

The niche road transport services team at Shulmans LLP¬†handles¬†regulatory and compliance related work, employment, commercial contracts, and environmental and health and safety advice to its national¬†client list.¬†Richard Wadkin¬†heads up the practice and has particular expertise dealing with¬†public inquiry and defence work for transport and logistics operators. Wadkin, alongside Clare Benger, acted for¬†Eco Drill (England) in providing complex advice requiring interpretation tachographs and excise¬†exemptions¬†, drivers‚Äô and operators‚Äô licences, as well as representing the company at a public inquiry. The team also defended Eco Drill's driver Andrew Burton, successfully achieving a discontinuance of magistrates‚Äô court proceedings.¬†Jim Wright¬†is also a key name to note, particularly for employment-related advice, and is instructed by Driver Hire Group Services to advise on¬†road transport regulatory issues, employment law, tax and commercial law.

The 'proactive'¬†transport property team¬†at Wrigleys Solicitors LLP¬†has 'great Industry knowledge' in the rail sector and combine¬†'truly comprehensive advice' with 'a customer service ethos that sets them apart from their competitors'.¬†Highlighted by one individual as being¬†'one of the leading practices in the complex world of rail franchising' the team continues to retain a strong reputation in this area.¬†'Knowledgeable, realistic and approachable' practice head Elizabeth Wilson¬†'leads by example' and leverages her¬†'wealth of knowledge and experience in the complex rail environment' in advising clients in high-value projects.¬†The 'tenacious, driven and commercial' Rachel Meredith¬†handles all aspect of commercial property instructions, including lettings of premises at railway stations.¬†Beyond the rail sector, head of the property department Paul Nash¬†has a 'very detailed knowledge of the bus industry' and¬†acts for a¬†national bus operator on property matters. Another key name to note is the 'conscientious and thorough' associate Richard Marson¬†who¬†'continues to grow in authority' with an¬†already 'thorough understanding of the regulated rail environment'.

The 'proactive'¬†transport property team¬†at Wrigleys Solicitors LLP¬†has 'great Industry knowledge' in the rail sector and combine¬†'truly comprehensive advice' with 'a customer service ethos that sets them apart from their competitors'.¬†Highlighted by one individual as being¬†'one of the leading practices in the complex world of rail franchising' the team continues to retain a strong reputation in this area.¬†'Knowledgeable, realistic and approachable' practice head Elizabeth Wilson¬†'leads by example' and leverages her¬†'wealth of knowledge and experience in the complex rail environment' in advising clients in high-value projects.¬†The 'tenacious, driven and commercial' Rachel Meredith¬†handles all aspect of commercial property instructions, including lettings of premises at railway stations.¬†Beyond the rail sector, head of the property department Paul Nash¬†has a 'very detailed knowledge of the bus industry' and¬†acts for a¬†national bus operator on property matters. Another key name to note is the 'conscientious and thorough' associate Richard Marson¬†who¬†'continues to grow in authority' with an¬†already 'thorough understanding of the regulated rail environment'.

Particularly known for its defence and regulatory work, Langleys Solicitors LLP's transport¬†team offers¬†'a brilliant, value for money service' and handles matters in the rail and road transport industries.¬†Associate¬†David Chant¬†heads up the practice and handles matters in the road transport sector, acting for insurers and individuals in claims. The practice is also noted for its¬†'great depth of rail industry¬†knowledge, and brings significant value when it comes to defending claims'. Chris Price¬†is¬†particularly experienced defending companies in personal injury claims in this sector.

Particularly known for its defence and regulatory work, Langleys Solicitors LLP's transport¬†team offers¬†'a brilliant, value for money service' and handles matters in the rail and road transport industries.¬†Associate¬†David Chant¬†heads up the practice and handles matters in the road transport sector, acting for insurers and individuals in claims. The practice is also noted for its¬†'great depth of rail industry¬†knowledge, and brings significant value when it comes to defending claims'. Chris Price¬†is¬†particularly experienced defending companies in personal injury claims in this sector.

The 'personal service' offered by¬†Myton Law¬†has been considered to be¬†'excellent all-round and provide London standards at a very competitive cost'.¬†The boutique firm focusing on¬†shipping, logistics and international trade is adept at offering 'excellent legal advice on various complicated issues' across these sectors, in¬†addition to having 'excellent rail industry experience'.¬†The team have been highlighted as being particularly¬†'proactive in dealing with disputes',¬†Scott Yates¬†specialises in personal injury claims, applying a¬†'blend of legal expertise and commercial acumen', while the 'proactive and responsive' John Habergham¬†has particular expertise representing clients in disputes arising out of carriage of goods by road, sea, air and rail. As joint¬†head of the team alongside Yates and Habergham, the 'pragmatic' Chris Thorne¬†applies a 'commercial and solution-orientated approach' to advising on large scale logistics projects.

The 'personal service' offered by¬†Myton Law¬†has been considered to be¬†'excellent all-round and provide London standards at a very competitive cost'.¬†The boutique firm focusing on¬†shipping, logistics and international trade is adept at offering 'excellent legal advice on various complicated issues' across these sectors, in¬†addition to having 'excellent rail industry experience'.¬†The team have been highlighted as being particularly¬†'proactive in dealing with disputes',¬†Scott Yates¬†specialises in personal injury claims, applying a¬†'blend of legal expertise and commercial acumen', while the 'proactive and responsive' John Habergham¬†has particular expertise representing clients in disputes arising out of carriage of goods by road, sea, air and rail. As joint¬†head of the team alongside Yates and Habergham, the 'pragmatic' Chris Thorne¬†applies a 'commercial and solution-orientated approach' to advising on large scale logistics projects.

The transport practice at Weightmans¬†is¬†experienced in handling matters within the rail, bus, coach and road transport sectors, its capabilities span from regulatory advice to handling a range of contentious matters. The team successfully defended Hoyer Petrolog UK in an employment tribunal claim for alleged discrimination. It was also instructed by West Midlands Trains to provide strategic advice in connection with the West Midlands rail franchise being awarded to the client. In another of the team's work highlights it represented National Express on the divestiture of part of its coach division operations at Heathrow Airport. This included advice relating to TUPE and industrial relations management advice.¬†The team is¬†jointly led from the Leeds office by¬†consultant¬†Gary Hodgson¬†and employment specialist¬†Ben Daniel. Hodgson advises on all road regulatory matters in addition to representing clients at hearings, inquests and tribunals.¬†Other clients within this sector include First Group (UK) and Arriva Transport Solutions.

The transport practice at Weightmans¬†is¬†experienced in handling matters within the rail, bus, coach and road transport sectors, its capabilities span from regulatory advice to handling a range of contentious matters. The team successfully defended Hoyer Petrolog UK in an employment tribunal claim for alleged discrimination. It was also instructed by West Midlands Trains to provide strategic advice in connection with the West Midlands rail franchise being awarded to the client. In another of the team's work highlights it represented National Express on the divestiture of part of its coach division operations at Heathrow Airport. This included advice relating to TUPE and industrial relations management advice.¬†The team is¬†jointly led from the Leeds office by¬†consultant¬†Gary Hodgson¬†and employment specialist¬†Ben Daniel. Hodgson advises on all road regulatory matters in addition to representing clients at hearings, inquests and tribunals.¬†Other clients within this sector include First Group (UK) and Arriva Transport Solutions.

Interview with...

Law firm partners and practice heads explain how their firms are adapting to clients' changing needs

A Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa provides a gateway to entry and settlement in the UK for non-EEA individuals who wish to launch a start-up or invest in and become a director of a UK company running the business. There are advantages to entering Britain on the entrepreneur visa route; an applicant can bring their dependent family members with them, and there is also an opportunity to fast-track settlement applications if certain criteria are met.